Multiple switch amusement projection device and method

ABSTRACT

A VIEWING SCREEN AND A CONSOLE ARE PROVIDED INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF SWITCHES ARRANGED IN THREE GROUPS ON THREE SWITCHES IN EACH GROUP. CLOSING OF ONE SWITCH IN EACH GROUP CAUSES A PLURALITY OF IMAGES OT BE PROJECTED ON THE SCREEN. THE DEVICE GIVES THE APPERANCE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL SWITCHES CONTROL IMAGE SELECTION. IN REALITY, THE SWITCHES SIMPLY ACTIVATE A SLIDE CHANGE MECHANISM OF A SLIDE PROJECTOR TO PROJECT A PREDETERMINED COMPOSITE IMAGE CARRIED BY A SINGLE SLIDE ONTO THE SCREEN.

June 1972 O s. s. COOLE 3,667,754

MULTIPLE SWITCH AMUSEMENT PROJECTION DEVICE AND METHOD Filed Oct. 15, 1970 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.I

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STANLEY SCOOLE ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent O1 fic 3,667,754 Patented June 6, 1972 3,667,754 MULTIPLE SWITCH AMUSEMENT PROJECTION DEVICE AND METHOD Stanley S. Coole, Cleveland, Ohio, assignor to Ohio Displays, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio Filed Oct. 15, 1970, Ser. No. 80,997 Int. Cl. A63j 5/00 US. Cl. 2728 P 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus and method for projecting a plurality of images onto a viewing screen.

More particularly, this invention is directed to an amusement device and a method for operating an amusement device which gives the appearance of requiring the exercise of skill and judgment in the play thereof.

At trade shows, conventions and exhibitions, the manufacturer of a product is competing with other manufacturers to gain the attention of the public for the purpose of either demonstrating a product or obtaining a name and address for a personal follow-up call in the future.

It has been found that an amusement device or game requiring the exercise of skill and judgment in the play thereof is quite popular at trade shows and may be used as a lead-in or attention getter for the purpose of demonstrating products. Where the participant at the trade show is technicially oriented it has been found that amusement devices or games requiring the exercise of skill and judgment are particularly well received as they offer an intellectual challenge to the participant.

The amusement device of this invention gives the appearance of requiring the exercise of both skill and judgment in the play thereof.

In reality, the amusement device of this invention does not require the exercise of skill or judgment. Contrary to appearances, the amusement device is not intricate and complex but rather is comprised of basic components arranged with circuitry that operates the basic components in a relatively simplified manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly summarized, this invention is directed to an amusement device and method for operating an amusement device. The amusement device is comprised of a viewing screen, slide projector including a plurality of slides carried by a slide holder, a slide changer mechanism, switching means including nine switches arranged in three groups of three switches each, and circuit means interconnecting each of the group of switches and the slide changer mechanism whereby the closing of at least one switch from each of the groups of switches activates the slide changer mechanism to project a slide onto the viewing screen.

The method of projecting a plurality of images on a viewing surface is comprised of the steps of:

(a) providing a viewing screen;

(b) providing a slide projector;

(c) providing at least one slide having a plurality of images in composite form thereon;

(d) providing a slide changer mechanism;

(e) providing switching means including a plurality of switches arranged in at least two groups of at least two switches in each group;

(f) providing circuit means interconnecting each of the groups of switches and the slide changer mechanism;

(g) activating at least one switch from each of the groups whereby the slide projector projects a plurality of images in composite form from a single slide onto the viewing screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A further description of the apparatus and method of the invention will now be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the amusement device of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the electrical circuitry and solenoid actuator of the apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a wiring diagram of a portion of the electrical circuitry of the apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the viewing screen of this invention and showing a plurality of images in schematic form projected thereon as a composite image; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the viewing screen of this invention and showing an alternate arrangement of a plurality of images in schematic form projected thereon as a composite image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE APPARATUS The apparatus of this invention as shown in FIG. 1 is comprised of a console 10, an image projecting means in the form of a slide projector 12, and a viewing surface means in the form of a mirror 14 and a translucent viewing screen 16.

The participant is positioned immediately behind the console 10 in a manner so as to have a full view of the screen 16. The slide projector 12 and the mirror 14 are obscured from the view of the participant by means of the wall 18 and side panels 20.

The apparatus of FIG. 1 is arranged for a trade show booth. In addition to the amusement device shown in FIG. 1, the booth will also include display apparatus (not shown) relating to a product or service which display apparatus is positioned adjacent the amusement device. It should be understood that the amusement device is operated in conjunction with the booth in order to attract attention to the product displayed in the booth.

The console 10, which is in the form of a =boxlike structure approximately waist high, has a top surface 22 on which are disposed switching means including a plurality of switches 1-9 arranged in three vertical groups of three switches in each group. The three vertical groups are numbered 24, 25, 26 in FIG. 1. The switches of FIG. 1 are numbered consecutively from switch 1 through switch 9 for ease of identification of the switches when referring to the various wiring diagrams. Switches 1-9 are double pole single throw switches well known to those skilled in the art. The exact switch configuration has not been shown in FIG. 1 for ease of description, but rather the location of the switch itself is denoted by a respective numeral. It should be understood that switches 1-9 may take the form of a tumbler, rotary or push button snap switch or other forms well known to those skilled in the art.

Disposed immediately adjacent the switches is a light panel 23 having individual sections 19. The light panel sections have been numbered 1' through 9' in order to correspond with respective switches 19. A plurality of light sources (not shown) are positioned behind each respective light panel section. The light sources are adapted to be energized by a corresponding switch when thrown as will be described more fully hereafter. Thus, with switch 1 in a closed position, light panel section 1' will become illuminated. Similarly, the closing of any one or more of the remaining Switches will cause a corresponding light panel section to become illuminated.

The light panel sections function to show the game participant and onlookers what switches have been closed. While the light panel is shown disposed closely adjacent the switches themselves at the console, it should be obvious that the light panel may be positioned at any convenient location where it may be viewed by the participant.

The amusement device as viewed by the participant Prior to describing the sever-a1 other components of the apparatus of this invention, a short description will now be made of the appearance of the amusement device as it is viewed by the participant.

The participant is asked to select one switch from each of the groups of switches 24, 25, 26 so as to project a composite image on the screen in a manner shown in FIG. 4. The composite image may take several different forms such as an animal with image A representing a colored head portion of an animal, image B representing a colored middle portion, and image C representing a colored rear portion of an animal.

The participant observes that the object of the game is to select appropriate switches from each of the groups of switches such that the composite image projected on the screen will be of one color or will define a specific animal.

By observing the amusement device, the participant concludes that the switches 1, 2, 3 control the selection of image A (FIG. 4) on the screen. Similarly, the participant concludes that the switches 4, 5, 6 control image B and that switches 7, 8, 9 control image C.

To briefly summarize, the amusement device gives the external appearance of being an intricate mechanism. The participant observes a composite image projected on the viewing screen and concludes that nine separate image projecting means are utilized, each controlled by a respective switch. The participant thus feels challenged to select an appropriate switch from each group so as to define a composite image which will qualify as a winner.

To further add an element of mystery and intrigue to the device, the participant observes that the individual switches do not control the same image each time the device is played. The participant thus believes that a scrambling mechanism is utilized in the circuitry such that it is not possible to carry the experience of one game to another game.

As an example of how the device is played, the participant, standing behind the console 10, may select switches 2, 4 and 9 in order to play a game. As each switch is closed, the appropriate light panel sections 2', 4 and 9' will become illuminated. After the last switch is thrown (switch 9) a composite image is projected on the screen 16 in the manner shown in FIG. 4. Image A of the composite image may take the form of a red head portion of a horse, image B may take the form of a yellow middle portion and image C may take the form of a green rear portion of a horse. After the composite image is projected, the participant is informed that he has not made the proper selection of switches in that the horse must be all of one color, either red, yellow or green. The participant is then given an opportunity to play the game a second time or, in the alternative, a second participant may play. The new participant is led to understand that due to a scrambling mechanism, the fact that switch 2 projected a red head portion of the horse in one series of play does not mean that the next time the game is played switch 2 will project the same color head portion.

The device is played as described above again and again until a participant has selected appropriate switches from each of the three vertical groups so as to project a composite image of a single color, i.e. images A, B and C all in the color red.

The above example describes the amusement device and method of play as the participant understands it.

The amusement device described In reality, the amusement device is not structured to project separate images A, B, C (FIG. 4) on the viewing screen with each image controlled by an individual switch. Rather, the composite image projected on the screen emanates from a single projecting means in the form of a single slide projector. The slide projector has a slide holder with a plurality of slides, each slide having a composite image preselected by the operator of the device. The switches themselves serve to activate the slide changer mechanism of the projector as will now be described.

Mounted on shelf 28 behind wall 18 is slide projector '12 including a lens 30 and a circular slide holder 32. Slide holder 32 is adapted to hold a plurality of individual slides for sequential feeding of each slideinto alignment with the projector bulb (not shown in FIG. 1) and the lens for projection onto mirror 14 and reflection onto viewing screen 16. For purposes of claim language, the individual slides of the slide holder 32. may be considered image carriers.

Slide projector 12 is also provided with a slide changer mechanism or image carrier transfer means which operates to rotate the slide holder at predetermined amount so that the individual slides may be sequentially projected.

For ease of description, the slide changer mechanism has not been shown since the mechanism is a standard apparatus well known to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that such a changer mechanism operates in conjunction with a motor and a control circuit such that closing of the control circuit activates the motor to rotate the slide holder. In slide projectors well known to those skilled in the art, the slide changer mechanism is operated by a push button adapted to be depressed by the projectionist. With the push button depressed, the slide changer mechanism will cause one or more slides to be rotated into view depending upon the amount of time that the circuit is closed.

The particular slide changer mechanism circuit utilized in this invention is shown in FIG. 2. In addition, the basic elements of the electro-mechanical system for the slide changer mechanism are shown.

As is shown in FIG. 2, the slide projector 12 is provided with lines L and L which are interconnected into any convenient power source. Lines L and L serve to illuminate bulb 13 and operate motor 15 which is adapted to turn the slide holder in a well known manner. A microswitch 36 which is normally open serves to interrupt line L to the slide changer mechanism motor of the slide projector with the result that the slide changer mechanism is normally inoperative. Finger 38 extends from microswitch 36 and is adapted to be received within grooves 40, 42 of cam bar 44. A cam surface 46 is defined between grooves 40, 42 on the cam bar 44.

Cam bar 44 is received within the body of solenoid 48. As shown in FIG. 2, the solenoid is not energized. The cam bar 44 is in its lowest position under the influence of gravity. If the solenoid is not mounted in a vertical manner as in FIG. 2, a spring 50 may be used to bias cam bar 44 into the extended position.

With solenoid 48 energized, cam bar 44 is moved in an upward direction in FIG. 2 causing cam surface 46 to move past finger 38. In so moving upwardly, cam surface 46 will momentarily depress finger 38 causing microswitch 36 to momentarily close thus activating the slide changer mechanism. As cam bar 44 reaches its upper limit of travel, the finger 38 will be received in groove 42 and the microswitch 36 will consequently open.

It should be understood that when solenoid 48 is energized the microswitch 36 will be closed only momentarily as the cam bar 44 is pulled upwardly. Thus, the slide changer mechanism is operated only momentarily in order to permit a single slide to be moved into position.

Solenoid 48 is energized by the closing of appropriate switches interposed in the line L as shown in FIG. 2. The lines I and L extending from the solenoid 48 of FIG. 2 are connected to any appropriate power source.

The double pole single throw switches of the console are shown in FIG. 2. For ease of description, only onehalf of the circuitry of the contacts (contacts A and B) of the switches are shown. The remaining circuitry of the contacts (contacts C and D) will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

As will be observed in FIG. 2, switches 1, 2 and 3 comprise a single group of switches interconnected into the line L Similarly, switches 4, 5 and 6 comprise a single group of switches interconnected into the line L as are the switches 7, 8 and 9.

It should be evident from FIG. 2 that the closing of any one switch in each of the groups of switches will close the circuit to the solenoid 48. As an example, the closing of switches 1, 4 and 7 or the closing of switches 1, 5 and 9 will cause solenoid 48 to become energized. It should also be apparent that while more than one switch in any group may be closed at any one time, at least one switch from each vertical group must be closed in order to complete the circuit.

Operation of slide changer mechanism A brief description of the operation of the slide changer mechanism of this invention will now be made with ref erence to FIG. 2.

First a selection is made of a desired switch in each of the vertical groups of switches. The selected switches are then thrown or closed in any order. When the last switch has been closed the line L; will be completed and the solenoid 48 will become energized. When energized, the cam bar 44 will be pulled upwardly with the result that the cam surface 46 will be pulled past the finger 38 of microswitch 36. Consequently, the microswitch 36 will be momentarily closed thus closing the line L to slide changer mechanism causing a slide to be moved into view. With solenoid 48 continuing to be energized, the cam bar 44 will come to rest with the finger 38 received in groove 42. In this position, the microswitch 36 will be opened and consequently the line L to the slide changer mechanism will be opened. The slide changer mechanism will thus be inoperative. The energizing of the solenoid 48 may be maintained indefinitely while the slide is viewed on screen 16.

When it is desired to reset the device for another participant all of the switches are opened to the position of FIG. 2. The line L; to the solenoid 48 is thus interrupted and the solenoid is deenergized. When deenergized, the cam bar 44 falls to the position shown in FIG. 2 under the influence of gravity or under the bias of the return spring 50. When falling the cam surface 46 of the cam bar will momentarily pulse the finger 38 causing the microswitch 36 to close momentarily thus to close the line L to the slide changer mechanism. A second slide will then be moved into position and projected on the screen. When the cam bar 44 comes to rest in the position of FIG. 2, the finger 38 will be received in groove 40 and the microswitch will again be opened causing the slide projector mechanism to become inoperative with the second slide projected on the screen.

In the preferred embodiment, the second slide projected on the screen (as the result of the deenergizing of the solenoid) is a commercial slide showing corporate advertising. Alternately, the second slide may be either a blank or dark slide. The second slide is thus to be differentiated from the first slide which is a game slide and which is adapted to be projected on the screen when the switches are closed.

To summarize, a game slide is projected on the screen 16 when appropriate switches (at least one switch from each group of switches) are closed. A commercial slide is projected on the screen when the switches are opened.

The slide holder 32 of the slide projector 12 thus is loaded with alternating commercial and game slides.

In standard slide holders approximately 40 commercial slides and 40 game slides may be loaded at one time.

It should be emphasized that the game slides are prearranged slides showing various combinations of a composite image. Winning combinations are interspersed among the game slides in a suflicient ratio to create interest in the amusement device. Because each slide shows a pre-arranged composite image, and because the slides are randomly loaded in the slide holder, it should be apparent that the slides themselves create the illusion that the switches are scrambled after each game so that one particular switch will not always control a particular image.

Where the slide holder 32 is constructed to receive an odd number of slides, it will be necessary to cycle the slide holder one slide when the last even slide has been shown in order to provide for alternate showing of commercial slides and game slides. In order to provide for manual cycling of the slide holder, a cycle button 52 is provided between the lines L and L (FIG. 2). The purpose of the cycle button 52 is to permit the amusement device operator to manually cycle the last odd slide on the screen when the last even slide in the slide holder has been used. The cycle button is located behind the console 10 out of the view of the game participant.

To illustrate the operation of button 52, assume that slide holder 32 holds 81 slides. Forty (40) slides are commercial slides and 40 slides are game slides. The slides are arranged alternately to project a commercial slide, game slide, commercial slide, etc. in sequence. When the last game slide (game slide 40) has been shown, the next slide should be commercial slide 1 to maintain game continuity. However, the 81st slide must be shown since it follows in order. At this point, the device operator simply manually cycles slide 81 into position by means of button 52. The following slide (commercial slide 1) will then be projected onto the screen as appropriate switches are closed. Slide 81 is simply a blank slide and does not affect the projection sequence.

It follows that where the slide holder 32 holds an even number of slides, there is no requirement for a manual cycle button.

Light panel Although not directly related to the slide changer mechanism, but, nonetheless, hepful to creating interest in the amusement device is the light panel 23 adapted to show which switches have been closed. The wiring diagram for the light panel is shown in FIG. 3.

It will be noted in FIG. 3 that each of the individual lamps corresponding to respective switches are illuminated immediately upon the closing of a respective switch. Again, for ease of description only one-half of the circuitry of the contacts of the double pole single throw switches have been shown in FIG. 3. Thus, the respective contacts C, D of FIG. 3 and the respective poles serve to close the cir cuit to illuminate a respective lamp. The opposed contacts A, B, which serve as a part of the slide changer mechanism circuitry, have been omitted from FIG. 3 and are described in FIG. 2.

As will be observed in FIG. 3, each of the respective lamps is connected to the line L Similarly, contact D of each of the respective switches is connected to the line L Lines L and L are connected to an appropriate power source. Continuity between each of the contacts C of the respective switches and a respective lamp is made by means of lines 60, 62, 64, 66, 63 and 70. Thus, upon closing of switch 1 continuity is established between lines L L causing lamp 1 to become illuminated. Similarly, any other switch, when closed, will illuminate a respective lamp.

It should be emphasized that the sole purpose for the light panel is to add interest to the game by showing the participant and the audience which switches have been closed. The panel serves no purpose insofar as the operation of the slide changer mechanism itself.

Operation of console Briefly reviewing the operation of the console 10, the participant will select and close a single switch from each of the vertical groups of switches 24, 25, 26. As each switch is closed, a corresponding light in the light panel 23 will become illuminated. When at least one switch from each vertical group has been closed, the circuit to the slide changer mechanism will have been completed and the solenoid 48 will become energized causing the slide changer mechanism to be momentarily pulsed bringing a game slide into view on screen 16. The game slide will be a composite of three images (A, B, C, of FIG. 4) of pre-arranged colors. The game slide will remain on the viewing screen 16 until the solenoid 48 is deenergized as by opening the closed switches. When deenergized, the slide changer mechanism will again be pulsed, as the cam bar drops to the position of FIG. 2, causing a commercial slide to be projected onto the screen. The game is repeated as new switches are selected from each of the vertical groups and closed. The next game slide will then be projected onto the screen. A commercial slide will follow when the switches are opened.

Assuming that the slide holder carries an even number of slides, the game may continue indefinitely as commercial slides and the game slides are alternately projected.

Assuming that the slide holder carries an odd number of slides, it will be necessary to manually cycle the slide holder one slide at the last slide in order to provide for alternate showing of game slides and commercial slides. When it is desired to provide for manual cycling, the cycle button 52 is depressed for a sufiicient time to cycle the slide holder one slide. A series of games may then be repeated until it is necessary to manually cycle again.

Much of the circuitry for the operation of the slide transfer mechanism including the solenoid 48, cam bar 44 and microswitch 36 are located within the body of console 10 out of the view of the participant. Electrical circuitry to the projector 12 and the slide changer mechanism extends from the console 10 to the area of the projector by means of the line 74 (FIG. 1) which may be disposed on the floor of the booth.

Modifications of the invention Several modifications of the invention are contemplated and should be considered within the spirit of the invention.

While the image projected on screen 16 is shown in FIG. 4 to be in the form of a horse having a head portion A, middle portion B and rear portion C, it should be understood that broadly speaking the invention relates to the building of any image on the screen regardless of form. Thus, an image such as a corporate trademark, geometrical figure, or other such designs may be selected and designed in composite form to give the impression that the image is constructed or built from a plurality of variables.

While in the preferred embodiment, nine switches are utilized with three switches provided in each of three groups, other numbers of switches may be used. In its simplest form, the invention may comprise four-switches divided into two groups of two switches each. More complicated switching structures may also be used.

The composite image projected on the screen may be made up of either vertical images such as shown in FIG. 4 or horizontal images. In the simplest case, a composite image may be formed from twohorizontal images sideby-side. More complicated images may-be projected such as shown in FIG. 5 wherein a total of nine images are defined in a composite form giving the impression of a multiplicity of variables in the construction or building of the composite image.

It should be understood that since amusement device of this invention gives the impression that switches control the composite image projected on the screen, that many combinations of switches and images are possible depending upon the particular requirements of the device. Indeed, this amusement device may be used to match words by selecting switches, match colors by selecting switches, or, as previously noted, build geometrical figures by selecting switches. There is no practi-' cal limit as to the variations possible.

The invention claimed is:

1. An amusement device comprising:

(a) viewing surface means;

(b) image projecting means including at least one image carrier;

(0) image carrier transfer means;

(d) switching means including a plurality of switches arranged in at least two groups of at least two switches in each group;

(e) circuit means interconnecting each of said groups and said image transfer means;

whereby the closing of at least one switch from each of said groups activates said image transfer means to project an image on said viewing surface.

2. The invention of claim 1 in which said image projecting means is a slide projector and said image carrier is a slide carried by a slide changer ofsaid slide proector.

3. The invention of claim 2 in which said image carrier transfer means is a slide changer mechanism.

4. The invention of claim 3 in which said slide changer mechanism includes an electrical circuit with closing means for activating the slide changer mechanism.

5. The invention of claim 4 in which said closing means is a microswitch activated by a solenoid operated cam bar.

6. The invention of claim 5 in which said cam bar is activated by said circuit means and operates to pulse said microswitch only momentarily to permit a single slide to transfer.

7. The invention of claim 6 in which said switches are double pole single throw switches having one pole interconnected into said circuit means and the other pole interconnected into a circuit adapted to activate a lamp.

8. A method of projecting a plurality of images on a viewing surface comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a viewing surface;

(b) providing an image projecting means;

(0) providing at least one image carrier having a plurality of images in composite form thereon;

9 10 (d) providing an image carrier transfer means; References Cited (e) providing switching means including a plurality UNITED STATES PATENTS of switches arranged in at least two groups of at 2,654,163 10/1953 Reynolds 1 2731 E X (f; gioi i irfg i ifit nfe ai ih lzfconnecting each of 5 2994805 8/1961 Eberwein 2731 E 3,152,805 10/1964 McGinn 2731 E X said groups and said image carrier transfer means; (g) activating at least one switch from each of said RICHARD PINKHAM, Primary Examiner p p whereby said image projecting means projects a plural- 10 STOUFFER Asslstaut Exammer ity of images from said image carrier onto said viewing US. CL

surface. 273-1 E, 8 M 

